‘Meathead’ thug who attacked Aston Villa star Jack Grealish is receiving death threats
Paul Mitchell 27, dashed on the pitch to smash Jack Grealish from behind during the Second City derby at St Andrew's on Sunday
DEATH threats were sent yesterday to the cowardly thug who hit Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish on live TV.
Paul Mitchell, 27, dashed on the pitch to smash the star from behind in the match at Birmingham City.
The married dad of one, who then shamelessly saluted fellow Birmingham fans, was being questioned by police last night.
Mitchell, called a “meathead” by ex-pals, had until recently ran a working men’s club in Dordon, Warwicks, which was immediately targeted.
A drinker there revealed: “We’ve had calls from people issuing death threats against him. One said, ‘We’re coming after the game, we’re gonna burn the place to the ground then burn his house’.
“His family are worried. We were all watching and no one could believe what Paul did. He’s loud and not the brightest but this was totally insane.”
Mitchell’s wife Sandra yesterday frantically deleted his social posts, while one pal told The Sun: “He deserves everything coming his way.”
Flat-capped Mitchell poleaxed Grealish in the 10th minute of yesterday’s Championship game, shown live at lunchtime on Sky Sports.
As the star lay dazed, players surrounded the thug who was led away by a steward.
Shocked ex-Villa ace and pundit Lee Hendrie said: “That is literally the worst thing I’ve seen on a football pitch.”
Midfielder Grealish, 23, later scored the only goal of the game and appeared to be shoved by a Birmingham steward in the celebrations.
Security is set to be reviewed amid a day of shame for football, with Birmingham facing a points deduction and fan ban. One supporter asked: “What if this thug had been wielding a knife?”
Pundit Gary Neville said any more incidents could see the return of fences at grounds.
Birmingham City later apologised to its local rivals and promised to review security at its St Andrew’s stadium.
A Villa spokesman warned “a red line had been crossed” in the “unprecedented” assault.
Match commander Supt Nick Rowe confirmed it had launched an investigation with Birmingham, adding: “An attack on a player is completely unacceptable and outrageous.”
Last night Mitchell, of Rubery, Worcs, was charged with invading the pitch and assaulting Grealish. He was held to appear before JPs today.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk